In a game like this, nothing much has to be said before taking the field.

Ohio State will head to Michigan Stadium on Saturday afternoon and try to complete a perfect regular season for the second straight year.

Whatever Urban Meyer has been saying to his team before taking the field, he might want to repeat it Saturday.

One of the keys to an Ohio State win is a fast start by the Buckeyes. The longer Michigan, a 141⁄2 -point underdog at home, stays in the game, the more confidence the Wolverines likely are to gain.

The Buckeyes have outscored their first seven Big Ten opponents 104-24 in the first quarter. Throw in their nonleague games, and the advantage is 206-38 for the season in the opening quarter. Iowa was the only team that led after the first quarter, 10-3, and Ohio State went on to win that game 34-24.

“They have a very good football team,” Michigan head coach Brady Hoke said. “Four of their five offensive linemen are seniors. They have a lot of veteran guys who have played a lot of snaps. The running back (Carlos Hyde) is leading the Big Ten. He’s a good running back. He’s a guy who can break tackles.

“The quarterback has played well. He’s throwing the ball better. They have good wide receivers. They’re explosive offensively.”

Michigan is outscoring its opposition 82-57 in the first quarter, however, the Wolverines have been outscored 23-13 during the last four opening quarters.

These two offense couldn’t be more different. Michigan is struggling for both an identity and continuity. Hoke has used five different offensive line combinations, including trotting a new one out for Iowa last week.

Fifth-year senior left tackle Taylor Lewan is Michigan’s best offensive lineman. Lewan and right tackle Michael Schofield are the only two players on the line who have started every game at those positions.

That offensive line has contributed to Michigan being ranked 95th in the country in total offense. Ohio State is seventh.

“They have a good group of O-lineman,” Buckeye defensive tackle Michael Bennett said. “I don’t know what motivates them day by day. I know they will be motivated against us. I know we have to come ready to play.”

The defense the Buckeyes will face, however, is another story. Michigan is ranked 26th in total defense.

It adds up to the third-ranked Buckeyes being heavy favorites. Hoke isn’t buying into it.

“We’re going to play the game on Saturday. That’s why we’re playing it,” Hoke said. “This game has always been different in some ways. Are they a good football team? Yeah, they’re a very good football team. Do we have to play better than we’ve played? I don’t think there’s any doubt about that.”